Let's Talk Tech
Shanling UA4 Review!
It’s a tiny little portable DAC, but it’s putting out a HUGE sound. A new ESS chip reduces power, and smooths out out some of the sound. The amp is punchy. There’s a CUTE little screen, and it’s surprisingly affordable!
Let’s take it for a spin! Continue reading “Shanling UA4 USB DAC: BIG SOUND in a Small Shell!”
Apple Music Lossless, Amazon Music HD, Quboz, or Tidal. You want to get ALL the music you pay for.
Ikko delivers a terrific followup to the original Zerda and the Music Patch DAC. Taking a listen, let’s share some thoughts on treating your ears! Continue reading “IKKO Zerda USB DAC Review: BIG Sound, Small Price, MAGNET CABLE!”
A quick test to show some of the differences in playback when we talk about different earbuds and different amps. Not all headphone jacks are created equal! Better DACs and amps improve our listening experience. Let’s see how that works!
SomeGadgetGuy DAC buying guide! https://somegadgetguy.com/2021/08/10/apple-music-lossless-amazon-music-hd-spotify-premium-tidal-masters-but-your-phone-doesnt-have-a-headphone-jack-dac-buying-guide/ Continue reading “What I mean when I talk about “weak” headphone amps on phones…”
It’s been one of the most frustrating trends in tech over the last several years.
Instead of improving the built-in headphone jacks on premium phones, manufacturers removed them to encourage more accessory sales. Bluetooth audio only became more popular when cabled audio was made more difficult to use.
Recently however, consumers have shown more interest in higher quality streaming. Despite all the tech reviewers claiming you “can’t even hear a difference”, or downplaying the audiophile community, it seems enough folks out there ARE interested in better audio and the gear to play that audio properly.
We know this market is real when Apple offers a streaming solution that their own phones can’t properly support.
Apple worked aggressively to make cabled audio a pain point, other manufacturers followed to make more sales, LG left the smartphone market, so now it’s up to us!
Here’s a (not so) quick primer on some different solutions for hooking up some headphones to a smartphone! Better music! Better movies! Better gaming!
Your ears will thank you! Continue reading “Apple Music Lossless, Amazon Music HD, Spotify Premium, Tidal Masters – But Your Phone Doesn’t Have a Headphone Jack? DAC Buying Guide!”
Apogee Groove 2021 Review! It’s new to me!
The Groove has been out for a while now, but it deserves a second look today!
Originally built as an enthusiast travel solution, now more consumers are getting interested in higher quality audio streaming. In a world where LG has left the smartphone market, what does it cost to pair a HUGE amp with a “Quad Sum DAC”? Continue reading “Apogee Groove USB DAC in 2021: Tiny Stick, HUGE AMP!”
Naw. This thing is great!
I didn’t soapbox TOO much in this review, but it is kinda frustrating how many techies shrugged on the ESS DAC in LG phones. Replacing that headphone solution with an external device is NOT cheap.
Still, I’m happy the spirit of that mobile audio lives on, and THX has a killer solution for folks looking to jump start their audiophile journey. Continue reading “THX Onyx AAA DAC: Overkill for Apple Lossless?”
Periodic Audio Rhodium USB DAC Review!
I know I have a fair number of cabled audio fans watching these reviews. We never got those great mainstream options we’d wanted to get for USB audio adapters. I’d always hoped a high profile audio manufacturer would step in with a DAC or an adapter, but sadly, these options seem to slide more boutique.
Well, Periodic Audio is a nerd-core boutique label, so let’s take a listen to what the Rhodium has to offer! Continue reading “Periodic Audio Rhodium: Revenge of the USB DAC?”
Continue reading “Fiio Q3 THX DAC Review: Like “Happy Holidays” for Your Ears!”